ForeSight Satellite Communications

Professional, Affordable and Reliable

To contact us:

Phone: 801-754-1621 Ext 6

Toll: 866-438-6883 Ext 6

Fax: 801-754-1721

E-mail: info@fsclp.com

Iridium Rental FAQ

 1.       What is the coverage area for an Iridium satellite phone/pager?

FSC's Iridium satellite rental phones are capable of making and receiving calls all over the world, including the North and South poles and the oceans. In addition, satellite pagers receive pages/messages anywhere in the world. The only exceptions will be those areas restricted by the U.S. Department of State. Currently, restricted areas include only North Korea.

2.   What is "line of sight" technology and why is it important?

The Iridium satellite system functions off of "line of sight" technology which requires the caller to have a clear vision of the sky before making a call. Without a clear line of sight to the sky, the caller could experience dropped calls or even unsuccessful call attempts.

3.   Will an Iridium satellite rental phone/pager work indoors?

Iridium Satellite Rental Phone
No. Successful use of an Iridium satellite rental phone indoors will be limited without the use of an external Iridium phone antenna, such as a fixed mast antenna.

Iridium Satellite Rental Pager
Not generally. Successful use of an Iridium satellite rental pager indoors will be limited. It is possible, but not guaranteed, for the Iridium rental pager to receive messages if placed in a large window.

Please remember that all satellite communications equipment is designed to work outdoors with no obstruction to the sky.

4.   Will an Iridium satellite rental phone/pager work in a vehicle?

Iridium Satellite Rental Phone
No. Successful use of the Iridium satellite rental phone in your car will be limited without the use of the Iridium phone portable auxiliary antenna that magnetically attaches to the roof of your car.

Iridium Satellite Rental Pager
Not generally. Successful use of an Iridium satellite rental pager in a vehicle will be limited. It is possible, but not guaranteed, for the satellite pager to receive messages if placed in a large window.

Please remember that all satellite communications equipment is designed to work outdoors with no obstruction to the sky.

5.   What are the most common forms of satellite signal obstruction?

Buildings, Trees, Mountains, Opposing Satellite Systems (like those found on cruise ships and media vehicles)

6.   What type of Iridium telephone number will I receive?

The Iridium satellite rental phone/pager number is a 12-digit phone number assigned by World Communication Center that is specific to the Iridium network. This number will look something like, 8816-###-#####. With a FSC satellite rental pager you will receive a standard Iridium number as well as an 800 number that provides a one-way paging service.

7.   Can I choose my Iridium satellite rental phone/pager number?

No. The Iridium satellite rental phone/pager number is pre-assigned and specific to each individual satellite rental unit.

8.   How do you contact the Iridium rental satellite phone/pager?

Calls to an Iridium Satellite RENTAL Phone

Direct (Call originating within US/Canada):
**Dial 011 8816-###-##### (substitute correct number)
Caller must have international calling capability to place a call to an Iridium satellite phone. Please have all necessary callers confirm with their local long distance provider their ability to dial an Iridium satellite phone. The international country code for Iridium is (881).

Two Stage:
**Dial 480 access number and when prompted enter satellite number, 8816-###-##### (substitute correct number).
Caller must have long distance / local calling capabilities to Arizona to place this call. Calls placed in this manner are paid for by the holder of the Iridium satellite phone / account. Note: All other incoming calls to the satellite phone are paid for by the caller, via the 'Direct' dialing method above.

Direct (Call originating outside of the US / Canada):
Dial 001 8816-###-##### (substitute correct number)

Direct (From another Iridium satellite phone):
Dial 00 8816 -###-#####

**calling options used most often

Paging a Satellite Rental Pager

Dial the assigned 800 number, after the beep, dial your numeric call back number (each rental pager is assigned a specific 800 number)

Satellite/Text Message to a Satellite Phone or Satellite Pager

Go to the Iridium SMS message site:
http://messaging.iridium.com, type the satellite number 8816-###-##### in the 'To' section and your message in the 'Message' section, click 'Send Message' (substitute correct number) - You will receive a confirmation if you message sent successfully

- OR -

From any non-html email source:
Type the satellite number as an email address, i.e. 8816########@msg.iridium.com (substitute correct number) - Maximum email characters per message is 160 including spaces

9.   Is there an access number available for people to contact my Iridium satellite rental phone?

Yes. There is an access number with a 480 area code. The caller will dial the Iridium access number and at the prompt enter the 12-digit Iridium rental phone number they are trying to reach. The call will then route to the Iridium phone. Calls placed in this manner are called Two-Stage Dialing calls, and there is a charge to the Iridium subscriber for this type of incoming call. Remember the satellite subscriber is not responsible for incoming direct calls.

10. How do I operate a satellite rental phone/pager?

For specific satellite rental phone instructions please see attached:
9505A Satellite Rental Phone Instructions (pdf)
9500 Satellite Rental Phone Instructions (pdf)
Satellite Rental Pager Instructions (pdf)

Basic 'How To' Functions:
Before attempting the functions below, be sure that you have a clear vision of the sky, your phone is registered, and the signal strength is strong.

Make a Call

1.    Press and hold the (0+) key until a (+) appears then dial the country code, area code and number [(+) is equivalent to pushing (00)]

2.    Calls to the US / Canada: + 1 (# # #) # # # - # # # #

3.    Calls to other countries: + (country code) & number

4.    Calls to Iridium phones: + (12 digit satellite number)

Access Voicemail via Short Key

5.    Press the envelope key on the key pad and when the screen reads 'Call Voicemail Select?' then push OK

6.    Interrupt the voicemail greeting by pushing (*)

7.    When prompted enter password: 1111

View data/SMS/text messages
Press the envelope key on the key pad and when the screen reads 'Call Voicemail Select?' scroll down/over to 'Received Messages Select?' then press OK.

**If you are unable to access voicemail via the envelope key, you may also access your voice messages by dialing into the Iridium voicemail center

Access Voicemail via the Iridium Voicemail Center

8.    Dial 00 8816 629 90000

9.    When asked what number you are trying to reach, dial 00 8816-###-##### (this is your satellite rental telephone number, which is listed on the phone and the rental bag)

10.  Interrupt the voicemail greeting by pushing (*)

11.  When prompted enter password: 1111

**If you are unable to access data / SMS / text messages via the envelope key, you may also access your text messages from the main phone menu

View data/SMS/ text messages via the Main Menu

12.  Press the Menu key and scroll until the screen reads, 'Messages View Options' then push OK.

13.  Scroll until screen reads, 'Received Messages Select?' then push OK.

11. How do I call FSC for help?

From an Iridium satellite rental phone:
Dial 6111 and press OK (This is a short code that will patch you to FSC 24/7 at no charge)

From a landline or cell phone:
Call 800 211 2575 or 480 857 6656

From an email connection:
support@FSClp.com or info@FSClp.com

12. How do I call emergency personnel for help?

Emergency Assistance Short Codes by Country (pdf)

 

Service Coverage / Phone Use

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